The Way of Wisdom – Part 1
Categories: Bible Study Lessons, Bulletin Articles, Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags: The Way of Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8).
There is an Internet prayer going around about patience: “Lord, please bless me with patience, not opportunities to be patient. I have had plenty of those. Could I just have the actual patience?” The prayer is funny because, for those of us who have experienced “opportunities to be patient,” we have all failed at one point or another and would just rather skip that part. The truth is that failure at being patient teaches patience because impatience does not produce the same results. Obtaining wisdom can be like this, but it does not necessarily need to be that way.
The very act of praying for wisdom produces instant wisdom because it is wise to open oneself up to the possibility of receiving wisdom. The act of doubting that God will give wisdom is itself unwise because one closes oneself off to the possibility of receiving wisdom, which, in and of itself, is not wise. It is wise to desire wisdom.
Too, praying for wisdom is wise because it recognizes that one lacks wisdom and needs more. It is wise to acknowledge one’s deficiencies. It shows a level of understanding of reality that many do not have. Many assume that all their thoughts are true and wise at the outset; they would not question them. The one who questions himself and prays is a step above those who would not even consider otherwise.
God bless you and I love you.
Kevin Cauley